I ask the indulgence of the children who may read this book for dedicating
it to a grown-up. I have a serious reason: he is the best friend I have
in the world. I have another reason: this grown-up understands everything,
even books about children. I have a third reason: he lives in France
where he is hungry and cold. He needs cheering up. If all these reasons
are not enough, I will dedicate the book to the child from whom this
grown-up grew. All grown-ups were once children-- although few of them
remember it. And so I correct my dedication: